December 25 - King

December 25 - King

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah's words brought comfort to the people of Israel. His words thrill my heart!

These words are part of a call made by Isaiah to the people of Israel. The last sentence of this passage is the response of the people when he offers them hope. They are waiting for this hope to be fulfilled and cry out with all of their heart, "May the zeal of the Lord accomplish this!"

As they looked to the future, all they saw was slavery and exile. But, far into the future there would be hope for their nation as the Lord God would send a Messiah, a Savior. He would come as a child, but would be given the throne to rule over the world. His reign would be marked by peace, justice and righteousness and it would last forever.

We know that Jesus came as an infant into the world. We know that He grew to be a man and we know that He was crucified and died, He rose from the dead and will come again to reign. These are words from the creeds of faith that have been spoken for centuries.

The celebration of Jesus' birth not only reminds us of the life that He lived while on earth, but reminds us to look forward to the day of His return.

The Israelites looked for a king that would unite their kingdom and lead them again as David did. That time has not yet come, but we look for it as we look to the future.

The angels announced that the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ had been born (Luke 2:11). Simeon saw Him in the temple courts as an infant and recognized the salvation of the people of Israel and a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel. (Luke 2:30-32).

We know Him as the Lamb of God who was slain and is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. (Revelation 5:12)

He has come to earth as a child. He will return to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.